Why are sinking pellets or wafers generally preferred over standard flake foods for housing Pictus Catfish?

Answer

It prevents them from having to compete heavily before the food reaches their foraging level

The preference for sinking foods like pellets or wafers stems directly from the Pictus Catfish's natural behavior as a bottom forager. When standard flake foods are introduced, they typically float or hover in the mid-water column. This requires the catfish to compete with mid-water or surface-dwelling fish species, often resulting in the catfish missing out on adequate nutrition before the flakes eventually moisten and sink. By using sinking options, the food descends quickly and directly to the substrate level where the catfish hunts, ensuring they have the first opportunity to claim their portion without intense, upstream competition.

Why are sinking pellets or wafers generally preferred over standard flake foods for housing Pictus Catfish?
dietfishfreshwateraquariumPictus Catfish